[Bird]: Black Swan

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus)

(Bird: Anatidae)

Adult female. 26th April, 2010. Elsternwick Park (Victoria-Australia).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

This Australian swan is the reverse of all other swans in the world. No other swan has the nearly completely dark plumage of black swans, nor does any swan have a bright red white-banded bill. The black-necked swan is the only other swan with black plumage, but it does not extend any further than the base of the neck.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB) (captive escape)
• Oceania (Australia)

The first time I recorded this species:

10th February, 2010 at St. Kilda Pier (Victoria-Australia).

[Bird]: Mute Swan

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

(Bird: Anatidae)

Adult female with cygnets. 12th July, 2013. Lodmoor RSPB Reserve (Dorset-UK).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

Like crows and doves, swans have made a boundless impression on society. It is not just Western countries that the swan can be found depicted in artwork, heraldry or text. It is only natural that we associate something pure and white with peace and serenity, in stark contrast to the opposing darkness that shrouds secrets and the unknown.

Thanks to introduction, the mute swan has easily become the most widespread swan in the world. It is named for its silent tendencies, though anyone who has been around them long enough knows they don't refrain from hissing at those who walk too close. However, the mute swan seems to forget the basic whistling calls common of its relatives.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)
• America (USA) 

The first time I recorded this species:

9th August, 2007 in England.

[Bird]: Blue Tit

Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)

(Bird: Paridae)

Adult. 26th November, 2014. Blashford Lakes (Hampshire-UK).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

The blue tit is a nice example of a common bird that is rather colourful among other common "LBJs". These small birds have captured the imagination of artists, writers and even stamp collectors for several decades. Without the carotenoids present in their diet of green caterpillars, the yellow colouring of these birds would otherwise be white and the blue and green would be duller.

Blue tits were involved in a study involving studies on culture in birds. The results were that blue tits were able to teach others of their kind certain behaviours, notably the ability to break foil milk bottle caps to reach the milk inside.

During summer a flood of newly fledged birds appear throughout the country. These birds differ from the adults by their excessive yellow colouration, especially in the cheeks that are usually white in adult birds.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)

The first time I recorded this species:

Pre-2006 in southern England (UK).

[Bird]: Great Tit

Great Tit (Parus major)

(Bird: Paridae)

ssp. newtoni. 17th November, 2014. Upton Country Park (Dorset-UK)

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

Great tits are not always the docile birds they seem to be. Under certain circumstances they are aggressive and rather psychopathic birds, attacking, killing and eating other birds and mammals.  Recent cases show single birds staking out feeders and rather viciously stabbing other birds through the eyes to eat portions of the brain. The yellow colour of these birds varies according to their diet.

A common often unnoticed behaviour in the family is for birds at feeders to collect seeds and then fly to a nearby branch. Here they hold the seeds with their feet and slowly peck away at them. Most birds generally eat while at the feeder itself.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)

The first time I recorded this species:

ssp. newtoni: 26th May, 2007 at Marchwood Inclosure, New Forest (Hampshire-UK).

[Bird]: Carrion Crow

Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)

(Bird: Corvidae)

19th June, 2013. Hythe Marina (Hampshire-UK).

...........................................................................................................

Though it appears leucistic, this bird probably just has worn feathers due to
diet deficiency. This condition is quite common in crows all over the world.
29th August, 2014. New Quay (Wales-UK). 

 ...........................................................................................................

Notes:

There is much that can be said about crows; since early times, these birds have featured in literature and mythology. At first appearance these birds appear black, but are in fact just very dark brown. Both crow and raven are often used interchangeably in modern society, but even in the scientific sense there is no clear dividing line unlike doves and pigeons. Usually ravens are the larger species with heavier bills with longer feathers, but there are exceptions.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)

The first time I recorded this species:

4th April, 2007 at Weston Shore (Hampshire-UK).

[Bird]: Eurasian Magpie

Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica)

(Bird: Corvidae)

1st July, 2013. Gigrin Farm (Wales-UK).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

Magpies are crows that don't immediately resemble crows. When familiar with these birds their raucous calls and behaviour is comparable with jays, and the family relation is more apparent. Unlike jays magpies spend more time in the open, walking across fields and perching on exposed fence posts.

"Pink magpies" are a rarely-encountered phenomenon where white areas on magpies are quite literally pink. This colour varies from faint to rather vibrant, and seems to be caused by carotenoid pigmentation in the diet of the birds, similar to what is seen by the roseate spoonbill and flamingos. A video on youtube recently shows an unrelated Australian magpie with pink plumage; it seems any bird with white feathering can be affected with this anomaly.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)

The first time I recorded this species:

Pre-2006 at Eastleigh (Hampshire-UK).

[Bird]: Eurasian Green Woodpecker

Eurasian Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)

(Bird: Picidae)

Adult. 20th July, 2009. Southampton Cemetery (Hampshire-UK).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

A woodpecker that prefers to forage on grassy lawns in the rain than peck on trees like its relatives. It is in that light the European equivalent of the American northern flicker, and both birds are fond of ants. The green woodpecker is a laugher rather than a check or chipper like many woodpeckers, and its extended calls are heard over long distances.

It seems to be declining in the UK. It has been many years since I have seen one, and I only heard two last year.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)

The first time I recorded this species:

20th July, 2009 at Southampton Cemetery (Hampshire-UK) though I have seen this species prior.

[Bird]: Common Swift

Common Swift (Apus apus)

(Bird: Apidae)

21st June, 2013. Keyhaven (Hampshire-UK).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

A bird that very much embodies the art of flight. Except when tending to nests, swifts never touch down at any point in their lives. Unlike swallows and martins these birds have a more loose flight style and the curved shape of the bird's wings is vastly different if you pay attention. Even at long range their fast-flapping curving flight style is distinctive.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)

The first time I recorded this species:

1st July, 2009 in Hythe (Hampshire-UK) though I saw this species often before this date.

[Bird]: Collared Dove

(Eurasian) Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

(Bird: Columbidae)

Adult. 9th July, 2009. Normandy (France).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

This dove is highly associated with farmland and open habitats, usually not too far from human settlement. Though it sounds similar to the woodpigeon, the deliverance of the cooing is different; the dove gives three calls with the middle often higher pitched, whereas woodpigeons calls as many as five times in one sequence, the last two distinctly lower.

It has been introduced to North America where it occupies similar habitat to its native range.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)
• America (USA)

The first time I recorded this species:

Pre-2006 at Eastleigh (Hampshire-UK).

[Bird]: Woodpigeon

Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus)

(Bird: Columbidae)

Adult. 19th June, 2013. Hythe Marina (Hampshire-UK).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

A rather large pigeon either loved or hated. This bird is generally very timid and skittish, though urban birds may be tamer. On take-off their wings clatter very loudly, and as a birder this has its detriments as it scares away other birds in the area and sends them into hiding. Birds far from civilization can flush as far away as the horizon, so tread carefully!

 Massive migrations of these birds take place in autumn involving upwards of thousands of birds, but these migrations are generally short lived and localized. Outside of England the species name is split into two words as Wood Pigeon or Common Wood Pigeon.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)

The first time I recorded this species:

20th October, 2007 in Hythe (Hampshire-UK) though not my earliest sighting.

[Bird]: Rock Dove

Rock Dove (Columba livia)

(Bird: Columbidae)

Feral pigeon (wild plumage). 22nd July, 2009. London (UK).

Feral pigeon (feral plumage). 27th June, 2009. Edmonton (Alberta-Canada).

Feral pigeon (intergrade plumage). 20th July, 2009. Southampton (Hampshire-UK).

Feral pigeons. 19th November, 2011. Santa Barbara (California-USA).

...........................................................................................................

Leucistic adult with wild-type plumage. 20th July, 2009.
Southampton (Hampshire-UK).

Leucistic adult. 6th March, 2010. Bentleigh East (Victoria-Australia)

Leucistic adult with albino-like eyes. 20th July, 2009. Southampton (Hampshire-UK)

Hypophaeomelanin schizochroistic or variant leucistic adult.
22nd July, 2009. London (UK)

Hypoeumelanin schizochroistic or variant "cinnamon" leucistic adult
showing feral-type plumage. 22nd July, 2009. London (UK).

Hypoeumelanin schizochroistic bird with plumage closer to
wild birds. 23rd July, 2009. London (UK).

A variant leucistic adult showing both cinnamon colouration of hypoeumelanin
schizochroism and white feathering typical of complete leucism. Feral-type
plumage. 4th February, 2010. Bentleigh East (Victoria-Australia).

Partially hypoeumelanin schizochroistic bird with "wild-type" plumage.
 7th May, 2007.  Southampton (Hampshire-UK)

Melanistic adult. 23rd July, 2009. London (UK)

Melanistic leucistic adult with feral-type plumage. 10th February, 2010.
Bentleigh East (Victoria-Australia).

Melanistic leucistic adult. 21st July, 2009. London (UK).

A brownish bird with wild-type plumage. 21st July, 2009.
London (UK).

Several odd birds. The two in the center are a slightly melanistic bird (top)
and a variant leucistic bird (bottom). Both feature wild-type plumage. 
23rd July, 2009. London (UK).

Describing this particular bird would be a bit of a mouthful...it has at least two
leucism types (complete and hypoeumelanin schizo), and melanism in the all-dark wing
 areas. 23rd July, 2009. London (UK).

 ...........................................................................................................

Notes:

Despite what it said about pigeons, there is little doubt that they remain one of the most successful birds in the world. Their adaptability to all kinds of environments except the most extreme is shared by only a few other birds. Unfortunately, nearly all rock doves seen are derived from captive birds. These "feral" pigeons (ssp. domestica) are confiding, tame and urban birds unlike the secretive wild birds that inhabit remote cliffs and rocky areas. Though all "feral pigeons" are rock doves, the species name rock dove should only be used to describe genuine wild birds, the same way pet dogs should not be called wolves. 

Extensive captive breeding of this species for racing or otherwise has resulted in the high abundance of several plumage mutations that are otherwise extremely rare in nature. As captive birds do not face the same dangers as wild birds, these mutations are spread to offspring at a much greater rate and over hundreds of years these odd coloured birds may well occur in over 1 in 4 birds.

Outside of Europe they are generally called rock pigeons instead of rock doves. The difference between a pigeon and dove is somewhat arbitrary; doves are usually the more slender and longer tailed birds in the family, whereas pigeons are the chunkier larger short-tailed birds. Both the rock
dove and stock dove are large heavy birds that probably fit the "pigeon" label better.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)
• America (USA-Canada)
• Europe (GB)

The first time I recorded this species:

ssp. domestica: 2nd April, 2006 is my earliest record of the species, with a flock of birds from Hythe (Hampshire-UK). Though I have certainly seen these birds before this date.

[Bird]: Herring Gull

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)

(Bird: Laridae)

27th June, 2014. Snowdonia (Wales-UK)

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

The most well known of all gulls at least in the West, and the typical "sea gull".  What few people realize is this species is a long and complicated series of taxon. One of the most variable gulls, herring gulls appear under several species and subspecies which are considered separate species by certain authorities, or just subspecies by others. As their appearance is individually specific, varies on geographical location and changes multiple times throughout their lives, identification of herring gulls is rarely easy, especially when several different varieties come into play.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)
• America (USA-Canada)

The first time I recorded this species:

ssp. argenteus 13th April, 2007. (UK), but I have seen it before this date.

ssp. smithsonianus: 24th July, 2008 Aspen Trails, Sherwood Park (Alberta-Canada).

[Bird]: Black-headed Gull

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

(Bird: Laridae)

Breeding adult. 8th July, 2013. Titchfield Haven (Hampshire-UK).

Non-breeding adult with sprat. 19th September, 2014. New Quay (Wales).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

This stereotypically European bird reaches plague proportions in some areas. In the UK it is a "trash" bird for many birdwatchers and it occurs both inland and along the coast. It isn't unusual to see this bird in the most unlikely of habitats, even up at high altitudes in mountains. Sometimes they turn up on the east coast of America, where they are far more appreciated! 

Despite the name, black-headed gulls have brown heads in summer. In alternate winter plumage their heads turn white but they retain a spot of their brown head; the placement and specifics of this cheek spot can be crucial to ruling out Mediterranean and little gulls of similar plumage.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)

The first time I recorded this species:

15th August, 2006 at Lepe (Hampshire-UK) is my first record, though I saw it earlier.

[Bird]: Northern Lapwing

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

(Bird: Charadriidae)

Moulting adult. 21st June, 2013. Keyhaven (Hampshire-UK).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

Lapwings are unusual plovers that occasionally wander fields during the night. These birds often look dark, but in sunlight green, purple and blue iridescence is visible. Under the right conditions well over a hundred of these birds may tumble towards wetland and roost sites with their oddly-shaped black and white wings and drifting flight style. Older birders may know this bird as the peewit, a name that describes the shrill two-tone "szeee whii" calls of these birds, especially in flight.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)

The first time I recorded this species:

20th October, 2007 is my oldest record of the species in England, though I certainly saw it earlier.

[Bird]: Great Cormorant

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

(Bird: Phalacrocoracidae)

ssp. novaehollandiae. 9th August, 2010. Karkarook Park (Victoria-Australia).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

Where it usually occurs this cormorant is often ubiquitous and easy to find. Where it doesn't occur, another cormorant usually takes its place. As a cormorant, they exhibit the typical behaviour of the family; often you will see them on posts or along the edge of water, fanning out their wings to dry them in the sun.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)
• Oceania (Australia)

The first time I recorded this species:

ssp. carbo: 22nd July, 2009 in London (UK) though I certainly saw it before this date.

ssp. novaehollandiae: 15th April, 2010 at Karkarook Park (Victoria-Australia).

[Bird]: Mandarin Duck

Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata)

(Bird: Anatidae)

Adult male. 25th April, 2006. Eyeworth Pond, New Forest (Hampshire-UK).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

A fantastic looking duck that is introduced to Europe from its native range in Asia.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)

The first time I recorded this species:

25th April, 2006 at Eyeworth Pond, New Forest (Hampshire-UK).

[Bird]: Light-vented Bulbul

Light-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis)

(Bird: Pycnonotidae)

 Pre-2007. Yuyuan Gardens, Shanghai (China).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

Alternatively called the Chinese bulbul. As I have little memory of this species I don't know what to say about it. It is the only bird species I have record of in Shanghai, and it was indeed quite common there.

I have seen this species in:

• Asia (China)

The first time I recorded this species:

Pre-2007 in Shanghai (China).

[Bird]: Red-legged Partridge

Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa)

(Bird: Phasianidae)

20th October, 2014. Needs Ore Nature Reserve, New Forest (Hampshire-UK).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

A relatively common bird in the UK in extensive farmlands and meadow habitats, but generally shy and hidden in grass. They are most often seen on the roadside, or indeed in the road itself, when they cross or forage alongside. Similar in appearance to both the rock partridge and the chukar.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)

The first time I recorded this species:

18th June, 2005 at Old Winchester Hill (UK) is my earliest record of this species, and indeed one of the earliest if not the earliest bird records I have.

[Bird]: Cape Barren Goose

Cape Barren Goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae)

(Bird: Anatidae)

26th January, 2011. Phillip Island (Victoria-Australia)

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

A goose unlike any other, and very localized to parts of southern Australia. Its relation to other geese and ducks is still unknown. Well, what more can be said about this odd bird?

I have seen this species in:

• Oceania (Australia)

The first time I recorded this species:

26th January, 2011 on Phillip Island, near the Grand Prix Circuit (Victoria-Australia).

[Bird]: Canada Goose

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

(Bird: Anatidae)

Adult female. 7th June, 2009. Broadmoor Lake Park, Sherwood Park (Alberta-Canada).

Canada geese preparing for migration. 27th August, 2008. pre-development Emerald Hills, Sherwood Park (Alberta-Canada).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

Probably the most well-known goose in modern day culture. Indeed it has been introduced all over the world, but not as widely as the house sparrow or rock dove. In its native Canadian range this bird flocks in the thousands every autumn to migrate south to warmer climes, a fantastic spectacle to watch. Even the smallest pond cannot avoid being covered in hundreds if not thousands of Canada geese (and often one or two cackling if one is lucky enough).

Birds kept in captivity represent several subspecies and thus birds from all over America can be seen in places where they are introduced.

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)
• America (USA-Canada) 

The first time I recorded this species:

21st February, 2008 is my first native record of this species along the Edmonton River Valley (Alberta-Canada).

25th April, 2006 is my earliest record of an introduced bird at Eyeworth Pond, New Forest (Hampshire-UK).

[Bird]: Cackling Goose

Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii)

(Bird: Anatidae)

ssp. hutchinsii adult in center: compare with the Canada goose (far left) and a probable ssp. tarverni cackling goose (left). 25th October, 2009. Emerald Hills, Sherwood park (Alberta-Canada).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

A diminutive Canada goose look-alike. Since the split from Canada goose the cackling goose has caused a massive slew of frustration for birders. However, the stubby bill and rather angular
head shape means this species is still relatively distinguishable, except in the case of hybrids. Care must be taken to distinguish the "lesser" (parvipes) subspecies of the Canada goose which is smaller than the standard Canada subspecies with a shorter bill, though never as short as cackling.  The issue increases when dealing with the larger tarveni Cackling geese, which can be the same size as parvipes Canada.

Confusingly, the minima subspecies of the cackling goose is also referred to as "lesser Canada" by some authorities.

Long taken in captivity with Canada geese in the past, this species intermittently appears with introduced Canada geese in Europe. It would be virtually impossible to claim a natural vagrant in Europe, as 99% of cackling geese are derived from captive birds or released.

I have seen this species in:

• America (Canada) 

The first time I recorded this species:

25th October, 2007 at a lake in pre-developed Emerald Hills, Sherwood Park (Alberta-Canada).

[Bird]: Barnacle Goose

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)

(Bird: Anatidae)

21st August, 2014. Titchfield Haven (Hampshire-UK)

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

A winter visitor to the UK. Some individuals are seen at other times of the year, and like most waterfowl it is impossible to tell whether they are genuine wild birds or escapes/releases from captivity. It has been shown through genetics that the barnacle goose had evolved from the
cackling goose rather than the Canada goose.

Barnacle geese nest on very high cliff tops. This makes it interesting when the chicks have to fledge
to the water below...

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)

The first time I recorded this species:

Pre-2006 at Lakeside (Hampshire-UK) however this was almost certainly not a wild bird.
I recorded 5 birds at Titchfield Haven on 21st August, 2014 and a single bird at Lower Test Marshes on 25th October, 2014. 

[Bird]: Brent Goose

Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)

(Bird: Anatidae)

ssp. nigricans (black brant). 18th February, 2012. Playa del Rey, Los Angeles (California-USA).

ssp. bernicla (dark-bellied brent goose). 27th October, 2014. Keyhaven (Hampshire-UK).

...........................................................................................................

Notes:

A small dark goose that winters in large congregations in northern Europe. Three subspecies are recognized, two Atlantic and one Pacific. It is sometimes known as the brant, particularly in America. An exception occurs when the American subspecies occurs as a vagrant in England, in which case it is almost always referred to as brant or black brant among observers even when brent goose is usually used. 

Brant is also common usage in countries where vagrant American "brant" have appeared, but European "brent geese" have not. Australia is one example. In comparison, areas where only "brent geese" have appeared "brent goose" becomes the common colloquialism. This is one of the most peculiar "American vs English" spelling scenarios in history!

I have seen this species in:

• Europe (GB)
• America (USA) 

The first time I recorded this species:

ssp. bernicla: 28th December, 2007 at Lepe Country Park (Hampshire-UK).
ssp: nigricans: 15th January, 2012 at SeaWorld San Diego (California-USA).